Performance arrow vane

ABSTRACT

A vane for an archery arrow consisting of durable, stiff material, utilizing an overall vane length of approximately two inches or less, a maximum vane height of approximately 0.6 inches or less, a straight upper and rearward extending edge from the forward point of the vane to its maximum height, and a radial rear edge from the vane&#39;s maximum height to its rearward point. The invention provides arrow steering capabilities for which longer vanes or feathers were previously required, and further promotes accuracy by reducing weight at the nock end of the arrow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is directed to the field of archery, and archeryarrows, generally, and vanes for archery arrows, specifically.

Vanes, or guiding fin projections, for arrows, are widely known and havebeen used since the inception of archery. Vanes are typically configuredgenerally parallel to the shaft of an arrow, in a plurality arrangement.Vanes provide in-flight arrow stabilization particularly in the huntingarchery field, for hunting points or “broadheads.” Hunting points, withmore weight, have long provided stabilization challenges. The usualsolution for increasing stabilization for broadheads, or to stabilizearrow flight, generally, has traditionally been to increase vane orfeather size. Although larger vanes and/or feathers, natural orsynthetic, for arrow guidance purposes, have been successfully used tosolve erratic flight/stabilization problems, their use has createdadditional limitations. Increased vane size tends to increase weight,which reduces arrow speed and, thus, its effectiveness. Increased vanesize may also create “clearance” problems with the arrow, and otherparts of the bow or projectile device. In general, past experiments withless vane surface (i.e., smaller vanes) without the features of thecurrent invention, have tended to generally produced more, and not less,erratic flight in the arrow.

Examples of the prior art in this field of archery vanes include thedisclosure of United States Patent Application Publication No. US2002-0028718 A1, of Coe, which discloses a vane assembly in conjunctionwith an arrow and arrow wrap of an elongate section of plastic film;U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,231, to Roberts et al, for an archery arrow vane andnock assembly which discloses a plurality of archery vanes; U.S. Pat.No. 6,142,896, to Simo et al, discloses an archery vane with a surfaceroughness differentiation between opposing sides of the vane to promotestability through increased spin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,323, to Munger,discloses an elastomeric polyurethane polymer arrow vane (it is notedthat the base length of the vane is approximately 4″, which has been arepresentative approximate minimum standard of the industry); U.S. Pat.No. 4,392,654, to Carella, discloses curved vanes inclined inwardly in arearward direction to provide air-restricting pockets; U.S. Pat. No.5,443,273, to Lovorn, discloses a method for attaching fletch or vane onan arrow and a device for doing the same (the disclosure demonstrates aknown vane shape); U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,385, to Conrad et al, discloses afletch or vane replacement device; U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,448, to Barrie,discloses a flexible arrow vane assembly; U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,084, toAustin, discloses a vane structure for arrows with corrugations in thevane stem; U.S. Pat. No. 3,667,758, to Bengtsson, discloses plastic as amaterial for arrow fins or vanes; U.S. Pat. No. 2,830,818, to Otto,discloses a “plastic feather” and method; U.S. Pat. No. 6,220,978 B1, toSchroeder, discloses an arrow fletching constructed from Ethylene VinylAcetate.

While it has long been a goal, in the archery field, as stated, toprovide improved in-flight arrow stabilization, particularly when usingarrow points with added weight, the prior art does not disclose anysolutions to this problem utilizing vanes, or feathers, which arenormally not of at least a four inch length or greater. The prior artclearly demonstrates a long-standing need for a durable, smaller arrowvane solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been designed to overcome the short comings inthe prior art noted above. The present invention addresses a long-feltneed, as further hereinafter described. As noted, existing vanes havefailed to satisfy these requirements.

The invention is directed to the provision of a performance arrow vane,generally, for all archery conditions, and, in particular, circumstanceswhere greater stability is needed, because of greater arrowhead weight,and where alternatives have been to increase the size of the vane.

Additional problems, which are addressed by the instant invention,include that increased vane size also corresponds to increased weight,which, in turn, limits arrow speed, and reduces effectiveness. Increasedvane size also results in clearance problems with parts of the archerybow assembly, or other arrow projectile device, when the arrow isreleased.

Clearly, the prior art in this field indicates that a need exists for anarrow vane which can provide increased stability, with different sizesand weights of arrow tips, and, optimally, reduce size as opposed toincrease size, of the vane itself.

The instant invention provides consistent in-flight steerage andstabilization with broadhead arrows, and others, using the shortest andsmallest vane available. The shorter vane provides less chance ofinterference with the arrow rest or bow cradle and weighs less than anormal vane. Less vane weight results in increased arrow speed andimproved arrow trajectory.

In a primary embodiment of the invention, the leading angle edge on thevane, also described as an upper edge, leads, at an approximately 24°angle, from the horizontal, rearwardly, and upwardly, from the forwardpoint of the vane. Experience and testing by the inventor hasdemonstrated that an optimum combination is a vane length of 2 inchesand a maximum vane height of 0.6 inches. Obviously, this results in avane length to maximum vane height ratio of 2:.6. The point of maximumheight on the arrow is defined by the intersection of a straight lineextending at the stated 24° angle, through its intersection with a lineparallel to the lower edge of the vane located at the stated ratiodistance above the lower edge. The leading edge of the vane extendsgenerally upwardly and rearwardly from the forward point to the maximumheight point, and from the maximum height point generally continuingrearwardly and downwardly, in a radial line, until it reaches the bottomor bottom edge of the vane, forming the rearward end or point.

The vane of the present invention is generally constructed of rigid, orsemi-rigid material, which would include materials which are resilientlybendable. That is, materials which would provide substantially rigidin-flight characteristics, but which, if bent by external force, wouldreturn to their prior position. Vanes can be made out of any materialwhich has these characteristics, including, but not limited to,plastics, or other synthetic materials.

As has been stated, optimum results with the performance arrow vane havebeen obtained by providing a vane or fin, with generally smoothcorresponding outward surfaces, of an overall length of substantially 2inches, and a maximum height of substantially 0.6 inches. In thisembodiment, the upper edge of the vane leads in a substantially straightline at the necessary angle, from the forward edge of the vane to themaximum height and, thereafter, radially back to the lower edge.

As with many arrow vanes, in the embodiment hereinafter more distinctlydescribed, the width of the vane is tapered somewhat, so that the widthat its maximum height is less than that at the lower edge, and thatwidth increases from the lower edge, to the maximum height,progressively.

The invention, as described, allows hunters to sight in with field tipsand then switch to broadhead without changing the arrow impact point.Further, testing by the inventors has shown that, while some spin isnecessary for accurate flight, a longer vane is not the optimum answer.What is required is a guidance system, such as that provided, whichprovides stable guidance to the arrow, irrespective of what the arrowtip is doing. The instant invention, with its unique design, createsturbulence behind the arrow, and not around the longer vanes andfeathers, as may occur when those are used as fletchings. The instantinvention begins steering and correcting, immediately, using the statedcombination of a steep leading edge and the height and length ratio, andmaterial stiffness. These features prevent larger broadheads fromplaning or steering the arrow shaft. The air flows over the vane in amanner which can actually create lift, and is particularly noticeable inlonger distances at flat trajectory. The instant invention providessubstantial benefit in trajectory, precision and velocity at target.

The above and additional features of the invention may be considered,and will become apparent in conjunction with the drawings, inparticular, and the detailed description which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description is understood by reference to thefollowing drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear portion of an arrow shaft,including a nock, with a plurality of the vane of the instant inventionaffixed thereto.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an arrow vane demonstrating the novel featuresof the invention, including the length to height ratio of the vane.

FIG. 3 is an end view of an arrow vane showing the width dimension.

FIG. 4 is cross sectional view of an arrow vane arrangement, showing atypical plurality vane configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Throughout the following detailed description, like numerals are used todescribe the same element of the present invention shown in multiplefigures thereof.

The invention, Performance Arrow Vane, is a novel arrow vane which,through its design characteristics, generally promotes arrow flightstability and consistent flight with differing arrowhead weights,without requiring additional vane side or surface area.

Broadly considered, the device Performance Arrow Vane is comprised of aprimary vane member 10. Vane member 10 is substantially rigid tomaintain its shape and position during arrow flight, but may beconstructed of resiliently bendable material, synthetic or otherwise,which allow bending when contacted by force, but which will return toits original shape.

Vane member 10 has a front planar surface 11 and a rear planar surface12, an upper edge 13 and a lower edge 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the planarsurfaces 11 and 12 are spaced apart by width D which grows progressivelywider from D-1 at upper edge 13 to D-2 at lower edge 14.

Vane member 10 additionally has a forward end 16 and a rearward end 17.Upper edge 13 and lower edge 14 meet each other at both forward end 16and rearward end 17. Lower edge 14 is a substantially straight linebetween end 16 and end 17. Lower edge 14 may be conformed for affixationto an arrow shaft 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Upper edge 13 extends rearwardly and upwardly from forward end 16 to thepoint of maximum height 18 of the vane 10. The maximum height of vane 10is the perpendicular distance A between lower edge 13 and the point ofmaximum height 18 on upper edge 13. The point of maximum height 18 isthe point of intersection of a line 19, parallel to lower edge 14 atmaximum distance A above lower edge 14, and a straight line extendingrearwardly from forward point 15 at angle B.

Upper edge 13 extends generally rearwardly and upwardly from forward end16 to point of maximum height 18, then further downwardly and rearwardlyradially until it again intersects with lower edge 14 at rearward end17.

As stated, upper edge 13 and lower edge 14 define the surface areas ofplanar surfaces 11 and 12. The overall length C of vane 10 is the linealdistance between forward end 16 and rearward end 17.

The optimum derivation of the invention is found in an embodiment whereangle B is within a range of 20° to 30°, length C is within a range of2.5 inches to 1.5 inches and maximum height A is within a range of 0.75to 0.45 inches. The preferred ratio of length C to height A is 2.0 to0.6.

Within the above parameters, an optimum embodiment is a vane 10constructed utilizing an angle C of 24°, an overall length of 2.0 inchesand a maximum height A of 0.6 inches, or parameters substantially inconformance with those stated.

Upper edge 13 extends progressively rearwardly and upwardly betweenforward point 16 and point of maximum height 18, with the optimum mannerof progression 20 being in a substantially straight line. From point ofmaximum height 18 to rearward end 17, forward edge 13 extends furtherrearwardly and downwardly, with the optimum manner of progression 21being a radial curve.

Vane member 10 is normally attached in numerical combinations of three,as shown in FIG. 4, although a greater number of vanes may be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, the depth or width D of vane member 10 generallyincreases progressively from its width D-1 at upper edge 13 to widerwidth D-2 at lower edge 14.

A wider base E may be provided to conform vane 10 to be affixed to astandard arrow shaft 30, although any means utilized for standard sizevanes may be utilized for affixation purposes, and vane member 10 needonly be susceptible of affixation to meet the requirements of theinvention.

Vane member 10 may be constructed of any material which provides asubstantially rigid contour during arrow flight. Plastics or othersynthetic materials are among included possible materials. The materialmay be resiliently bendable, such that, if outside force causes it toalter shape, it will return to its original contour.

It is the claims appended hereto, and all reasonable equivalentsthereof, which define the true scope of the invention, and the inventionis not limited to the depicted embodiments and exemplifications.

1. An arrow vane comprising: a sheet member having a front planarsurface and a back planar surface, a lower straight edge conformed foraffixation to an arrow shaft, and an upper edge extending betweenforward end and rearward end locations of said lower edge; said sheetmember having a point of maximum height defined by a perpendiculardistance between the shaft at said lower edge and said upper edge and awidth dimension defined by the distance between the front and backplanar surfaces; said upper edge extending rearwardly and upwardly fromsaid forward end at a defined, substantially constant angle in a rangeof between 20° to 30°, to the point of maximum height; said upper edgefurther extending radially rearwardly and downwardly from said point ofmaximum height to the rearward end; and a ratio of distance between saidforward end and rearward end, relative to the maximum height of saidvane being 2 to 0.6 and corresponding to a distance of between 1.5-2.5inches and a height of 0.45-0.75 inches; at least one vane beingarranged in spaced apart fashion about a circumference of the arrowshaft and in order to promote flight stability, particularly in responseto differing arrowhead configurations employed at a forward end of theshaft.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. The invention of claim 1, whereinsaid angle is 24°.
 5. (canceled)
 6. The invention of claim 1, whereinthe distance between the forward end and rearward end is substantially 2inches and the maximum height of the vane member is substantially 0.6inches.
 7. The invention of claim 1, wherein said sheet member iscomprised of resiliently bendable, synthetic material.
 8. The inventionof claim 1, wherein said sheet member is comprised of substantiallyrigid material.
 9. The invention of claim 1, wherein the width dimensionof the sheet member is progressively larger from the upper edge to thelower edge.
 10. An arrow vane comprising: a substantially rigid sheetmember having a front planar surface and back planar surface defining adepth dimension between them; said planar surfaces both defined by ashared upper edge and lower edge; said upper and lower edges meeting ata forward end and a rearward end, and further defining by a maximumdistance between them, a point of maximum height of said sheet member;said lower edge being conformed for affixation to an arrow shaft andextending in a substantially straight line between said forward end andrearward end, the length of said sheet member being defined by thedistance between said forward and rearward ends; said upper edgeextending rearwardly and upwardly in a substantially straight line at anangle in a range of between 20° to 30° from the forward end to the pointof maximum height, the ratio of the length of the sheet member and themaximum height of the sheet member being 2 to 0.6; and said upper edgefurther extending radially rearwardly and downwardly from said point ofmaximum height to said rearward end; at least one vane being arranged inspaced apart fashion about a circumference of the arrow shaft and inorder to promote flight stability, particularly in response to differingarrowhead configurations employed at a forward end of the shaft.
 11. Theinvention of claim 10, wherein the length of the sheet member issubstantially 2 inches and the maximum height of the sheet member issubstantially 0.6 inches.
 12. The invention of claim 10, wherein thewidth dimension of the sheet member is progressively wider from theupper edge to the lower edge.
 13. The invention of claim 10, whereinsaid sheet member is comprised of resiliently bendable material.
 14. Anarrow vane comprising: a substantially rigid sheet member having a frontplanar surface and rear planar surface defining a depth dimensionbetween them, said planar surfaces both defined by a shared upper edgeand lower edge; said upper and lower edges meeting at a forward end anda rearward end defining a length in a range of 1.5-2.5 inches betweenthem; said lower edge being conformed, in a substantially straight linebetween said forward and rearward edges for affixation to an arrowshaft; said upper edge extending generally upwardly and rearwardly to apoint defined by intersection of a straight line running at a specifiedangle from the horizontal rearwardly from said forward end and a lineparallel and according to a length of between 0.45-0.75 inches abovesaid lower edge; and said upper edge then continuing radially downwardlyand rearwardly from said point of intersection to said rearward end; atleast one vane being arranged in spaced apart fashion about acircumference of the arrow shaft and in order to promote flightstability, particularly in response to differing arrowheadconfigurations employed at a forward end of the shaft.
 15. The inventionof claim 14, wherein the width dimension of the sheet member isprogressively wider from the upper edge of the lower edge.
 16. Theinvention of claim 14, wherein the sheet member is comprised ofresiliently bendable material.
 17. The invention of claim 14, wherein aplurality of said vanes is affixed about an arrow shaft in parallel withsaid shaft.
 18. The invention of claim 10, wherein a plurality of saidvanes are affixed about the circumference of the arrow shaft.
 19. Theinvention of claim 10, wherein a plurality of said vanes is affixedabout an arrow shaft in parallel with said shaft.